My journey at Tam Taekwon-Do Mudokwan commenced after the first COVID lockdown in 2020 as a 4th Kup, when I was referred by another instructor and friend.
One of the reasons I felt change was needed from a personal level was my training was oriented towards grading and certificates. Despite, being eligible to immediately grade for 3rd Kup at my previous dojang, I felt it was necessary for my own development for a change in direction, as I realized alot of concepts including contact sparring I never experienced despite being a Blue Belt. Immediately, I was overwhelmed at the comprehensive nature of the training in terms of all elements including fitness, sparring and patterns. Although, my initial 2 years were disrupted from COVID induced lockdowns and learning a substantially new syllabus and applications, I pushed through this learning curve largely attributed to consistent training. I distinctively recall one day, GM Tam Fook Chee stating in class although gradings take more time here when you progress it is truly earned and not to be discouraged on time. Recently, I have been away from Sydney in Asia and North America, respectively. Although, there is no substitute to consistent in-person training initially I was based in a city with no dojangs. Despite, some ITF practitioners temporarily living in San Diego, they were too busy to oversee or commit to group training. Prior to arriving in the United States, I reached out to Master Gordon Jue (VIII) based in the San Francisco Bay area whom I have known for a few years through mutual friends. As I was particularly keen to train as I felt particularly rusty, I decided to fly to the Bay area one weekend as I lived adjacent to the airport so I could continue learning Chong-Moo. I was invited to attend a seminar in Honolulu on 20-22 October 2023. In order to motivate people to keep training 1st Kups were presented with Dan grade doboks that they were unable to wear until they graded to 1st Dan. Whilst, 3rd Dan practitioners due to grade for 4th Dan were given customized 4th-6th Degree doboks that they were only able to wear after successful grading. The seminar was divided into technical breakdowns, self defense conducted by a Police Officer instructor and Tuls. Also, it was streamed throughout North America for online. attendees. On a personal level it was my first International seminar and many of the concepts echoed including, the heel-spring motion for parallel stance punch used as a fundamental exercise as opposed to generating power. Also, the concept that despite sporting components, ITF Taekwon-Do is always primarily a martial art first and foremost. Following the seminar, I was encouraged to compete in the Warriors Cup in San Jose as I was returning to San Francisco for the entire month as several people from the US-ITF and Jue's Taekwon-Do were also participating. Although, I was initially reluctant due to a lack of training and conditioning as well as not being able to attend classes regularly, it was a great chance for me to gain experience in performing patterns in competition situations and under pressure. Additionally, I was personally inspired by Grace Wee's personal situation as despite regularly travelling for her occupation, through dedication and work ethic she was able to compete and win medals in this year's World Championship. The Warriors Cup was hosted by Master Steven LeGrow (VIII) and Warrior Code Taekwon-Do Academy in Dartmough Middle School, this event featured various World Championship practitioners from multiple organizations and countries including Ethopia, Taiwan, Finland, Canada and across all of the USA. Also, the competition consisted of sparring, pattern, speed kicking and the single elimination Chon-Ji challenge consisting of over 120 competitors. On a personal level it was the first time I competed overseas and in Tuls. I participated in speed kicking, patterns and the Chon-Ji elimination challenge. I was able to win a bronze medal out of 20 adult competitors in my division, largely due to applying kicking drills learned from training in both Lidcombe and Burwood, respectively. Additionally, I participated in a round robin pattern event, winning 2 rounds and losing 2 rounds resulting in a 3rd place medal finish. During this event, although I won one round with a unanimous vote I realized I had not finished in my place. Whilst, despite narrowly losing in my final round 3-2, after the round various instructors approached myself and the other competitors stating it was an excellent display of Hwarang and one of the best rounds. Key feedback during the event I received from conversations was to keep consistent rhythm and not to be pressured to speed it up from others. Also, in loud competitions it can be difficult for people to see your breath control so it is important to make it obvious. I intend to participate in more competitions both locally and globally should my work schedule permit me to participate. However, upon returning to Sydney it is imperative that I re-establish consistent training and effective regain my conditioning, as well as learn the entire pattern required to progress. Taekwon Paul Zhang (1st Kup)
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